Save Money on Christmas Gifts

We've all been there. We want to give meaningful gifts to our friends and loved ones but we don't want to spend a small fortune to show we care. Rest assured, there are plenty of special gifts you can give that won't break the bank.

Give the gift of music

Everybody loves music but CDs can be expensive. In this day and age of the iPod, why not consider buying iTunes. iTunes only cost about $1 a piece and you can tailor make a custom selection of music as opposed to a CD, which may contain a few preferred songs.

Gift cards and gift certificates

Gift cards are a great way to save money. You decide what you want to spend and buy a gift card or certificate accordingly. This takes away the temptation of overspending on an impulse buy. Just remember that in addition to most stores having gift cards, several websites, like Amazon and Ebay, also offer gift cards.

Go digital

If you have a digital camera, there’s no end to the list of gifts you can give. Websites like Shutterfly offer photo services that can turn your favorite photos into calendars, coffee mugs, mouse pads; you name it…and all for very reasonable prices. If you’re more of a do-it-yourself type, buy some photo paper and print your own favorite photo from your own computer. Put it in a tasteful frame and you’ve got a present any loved one would appreciate.

Ideas for the kids

Even if young ones are short on funds, they can still enjoy giving Christmas gifts. How about helping them make up a coupon book for chores (ex-coupon good for doing the dishes). Tell me what parent wouldn't be happy with that. A picture or Christmas card a child made for someone they love can also become a treasured keepsake.

A love letter

I know it’s sentimental, but hey, it’s Christmas. After all, when’s the last time you told your spouse or partner how much they mean to you. Think about taking pen to paper and making a list of all the reasons you love your honey…from the way their eyes crinkle when they laugh to the sound of their voice on the telephone. Believe me you cannot go wrong with this one.

Just remember, when all is said and done, an expensive generic gift won’t mean nearly as much as an inexpensive gift that was given with a lot of thought and love.